Section 3 - (Scale, style, subject matter) Flashcards
Green deck
Scale - Smaller than life
The dimensions of the painting are small, 35cm x 27cm, as it was originally painted for a magazine cover. Due to its small size the scale of the subject matter is smaller than life size making the viewer look more intensely for all the details of the composition.
Scale - Small scale, what is needed to be done
Due to the small scale, lots of detail is used in order to create visual impact in the piece, such as in the folds of her scarf and the dynamic shading all contributing to making the piece striking despite the small scale.
Scale - Bugatti interior proportions
De Lempicka has changed the proportions of the Bugatti’s interior to ensure the portrait fills this space. This reduces any negative space which adds to the impact of the composition.
Style - Art Deco
De Lempicka painted in an Art Deco style. Characteristics of Art Deco would be geometric shapes, bold colour and luxurious materials. All these elements are seen in Self portrait in a Green Bugatti.
Style - Cubism
De Lempicka Self Portrait also takes inspiration from Cubism styles. This can be seen in the way she blends her organic shapes together. Cubism creates a very smooth blend between highlights and shadows and she has replicated that in the way in which she creates the highlights and lowlights of the scarf and glove in the portrait.
Style - Graphic
The use of planes of colour and suggestions of outline gives the painting a graphic quality which complements the fact it was painted for a magazine cover.
Subject Matter - Luxury and Wealth
The subject matter is a self portrait of De Lempicka. She has portrayed herself as woman of high social status and wealth and this is shown in her luxury clothing and expensive car.
Subject Matter - Power and Independence
De Lempicka wants to be portrayed as an independent and strong woman and she has achieved this with her unfaltering gaze at the viewer and grasp of the steering wheel.
Mood and Atmosphere - Dynamic and Active mood
An dynamic and active mood is created in this painting through the use of lighting in the piece to create the effect of light shining from the side of the car and on De Lempicka’s face, making it appear as if it were racing the viewer.
Mood and Atmosphere - Luxurious and Opulent
A luxurious and opulent atmosphere is created in this piece through the use of smooth and flawless surfaces, such as seen in the shiny car or silk scarf, suggesting the idea of luxury and wealth, giving an aspirational feel for the viewer
Mood and Atmosphere - Powerful
De Lempicka has established a powerful atmosphere by painting a high performing sports car with a portrait of a strong independent woman driving it.
Mood and Atmosphere - Intense
There is a cool intensity to the atmosphere in the painting due to De Lempicka’s icy stare and pale complexion.
